In an interview for Meeting of the Minds, Robin Chase (LF ’05) reflects on the role of the public sector in democratizing the benefits of technology and adapting for innovation. She doesn’t see a contradiction between economic progress and preserving personal wellbeing and security. Perhaps the future holds a new definition of freedom when it comes to America’s relationship with cars and transportation. Read “Zipcar Founder Robin Chase on Upending the Status Quo.” read more

The Loeb Fellowship offers a transformative year in residence at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and fellowship in a powerful worldwide network of colleagues.

We are seeking successful and passionate mid-career practitioners from diverse disciplines, who are influential in shaping the built and natural environment and whose work advances positive social outcomes. The Fellowship helps them explore new interests, deepen existing areas of excellence, strengthen their leadership, and prepare them for a future of greater impact. Apply by Jan. 5 or nominate a candidate now.

Browse the website of United States Artists and you can’t miss the photo of Janet Echelman’s gorgeous sculpture flying over the Boston Greenway. She’s been named a USA Fellow this year in architecture and design, one of eight creative disciplines along with crafts, dance, literature, media, music, theater and performance, traditional arts, and visual arts. Each fellow receives a $50,000 award and recognition as one of America’s most accomplished and innovative artists. See all the 2016 fellows. read more

The University of Wyoming is inviting applications for Dean of the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. The Dean oversees six academic programs that serve 250 students, the Ruckelshaus Institute, and seventeen core faculty and staff. The Dean also serves as an ex-officio member of the Wyoming Energy Resources Council that advises the UW School of Energy Resources. Learn more about the position and the Haub School.

Many progressives are looking for the way to play an effective role in creating social change now that the dismal presidential campaign is over. John Peterson, curator of the Loeb Fellowship, Loeb alum, and founder of Public Architecture, has an answer for design practitioners: "it''s time to get to work."

What does the protest over the Standing Rock oil pipeline have to do with a potential merger between AT&T and Time Warner, or with building a national disaster response communication system? Loeb Greta Byrum sees the connection and warns about threats to local communities, which may emerge from consolidating resources and apportioning them according to political power. Her wake up call is in Slate: “Standing Rock’s Other Pipe Problem.” read more

Photo by CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Last month, when Facebook invited Loeb alums to its newly expanded corporate headquarters as part of a bus tour of Silicon Valley, it realized it had an informal braintrust it could mine for ideas about a variety of challenges Facebook is facing in supporting its workforce. The bus tour, filled with folks in town for the 2016 Bay Area Fall Study Tour, took a route that also encompassed the new transit oriented Union City Station District and major projects in San Francisco’s Central and Southern waterfront, including Hunter’s Point Shipyard, Pier 70 and Mission Bay. But the new Frank Gehry Facebook campus was a singular draw for the Loebs, many of whom observe the modern tech economy from the sidelines but have considerable experience with the societal, urban issues with which the company is struggling. read more

Anna Heringer’s (LF ’12) designs appear to have sprung from the earth; they are more like living things than buildings. For a 360 degree look at some of the latest creations from her team, see this striking drone video from the International Bamboo Architecture Biennale, and visit her website for more.